As first up efforts go, Storm Away was very good on debut at Ascot last Saturday.
The Mitchell Pateman-trained gelding was beaten on the day, running second, however; lost no admirers in defeat.
He was slow out, raced wide, hit the front and only went down by a long head to Monte Tremezzo.
A $65,000 yearling, the son of Lucky Vega is clearly talented with further learning to do.
Going into his first race off one 600m trial victory, the hype looks genuine.
In-form jockey, Holly Watson believes the hype is real and is excited to be teaming up with the youngster in Saturday’s Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) at Pinjarra.
Storm Away’s race day experience has been fleeting, but Watson has seen enough of him behind the scenes to become an unabashed supporter.
On the quick spin into a $250,000 feature, Watson is confident Storm Away can go one better after an outstanding introduction to racing a week ago.
“It was a huge run,” Watson said on Tabradio.
“Obviously he stepped a bit slow and got quite fierce on me.
“The race was run awkwardly as well and he did a bit of work to pull me to the front.
“I thought it was a huge run and he got a little bit lost out in front.
“I think there will be huge improvement.
“He’s such a cruisy horse and has done really well.”
Storm Away is one of 14 runners in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic and has drawn perfectly in barrier four.
He’s come in a point to $9 after he opened $10 with Tabtouch.
Ahead of him are Strideaway, the $3.10 favourite, Do I Feel Lucky $5.50 and Da General’s Son $6.50.
Watson, in recent weeks, riding in a rich vein of form, gives Storm Away a massive chance of snaring rich success at just his second start.
“He’s drawn a barrier and we can sit him behind something,” Watson said.
“We can get him to settle straight away.
“I think he’s a huge chance in the race.”
In the Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m), Watson has picked up the ride on Come On Emma, one of four in the race for trainer Simon Miller.
At $31, the least popular of Miller’s quartet with punters, Come On Emma was a last-start winner when ridden by Brad Parnham.
“It’s a step up in grade, but Simon (Miller) doesn’t put them in these races for no reason,” Watson said.
“I’m excited to ride her and it’s good to see she’s drawn a barrier (5)."
Miller saddles up the $2.75 favourite, Shmoov Mover, Golden Vale, a $7 chance and Horcrux, currently at $12.
Miller won the race in 2012 with Night War.
Julio Santarelli